OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT and PRESERVE Draft Wild and Scenic River Study

OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE Draft Wild and Scenic River Study

Oregion Caves National Monument and Preserve 19000 Caves Hwy Cave Junction, OR 97523 Contact: Vicki Snitzler, Superintendent

Prepared by:

National Park Service Pacific West Region Park Planning and Environmental Compliance Partnerships/Wild and Scenic River Program

Please refer to “How to Use This Document” to navigate through the chapters. To comment on this document, please refer to “How to Comment on This Document.” These sections can be found on the following pages. Lake Creek. Photo: NPS. LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Greetings,

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is inviting public comment on the management plan and environmental assessment for the recently designated national preserve, as well as a wild and scenic river study. The legislation that created the 4,070 acre preserve was signed into law on December 19, 2014. This plan addresses management of roads, trails, commercial activities, hunting, hiking, use of pack animals, and backcountry camping, among other things. The preserve contains a campground, nearly 20 miles of gravel roads and 17 miles of trails. There is a federally listed threatened species (spotted owl) and a species of concern (fisher). The area contains a number of rare plants as well as areas that have Port Orford Cedar root rot disease which will need to be kept contained.

The preserve planning process is happening at the same time as the wild and scenic river study authorized in the December 2014 legislation. The study examines whether five creek segments on the monument and preserve should be included in the national wild and scenic rivers system.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the NPS is announcing a 90-day public review period to solicit public comments on this planning project and study. We look forward to your involvement in our planning for the preserve and will ensure that your concerns and ideas are considered and evaluated. During this review period, the public is invited to identify any issues or concerns they might have with the preferred alternative, environmental analysis, and wild and scenic river study so that the NPS can appropriately consider them.

Sincerely,

Vicki Snitzler, Superintendent

Port Orford cedar. Photo: NPS. HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

The Executive Summary at the beginning of the document provides a condensed version of the wild and scenic river study.

Chapter 1: Introduction sets the stage for the wild and scenic river study by describing the study area within the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, the purpose of the wild and scenic study, background about the Wild and Scenic River System, and the planning process.

Chapter 2: Draft Eligibility and Classification Findings includes the eligiblity criteria, free- flowing conditions, oustandingly remarkable values, classification criteria and preliminary classification findings.

Chapter 3: Suitability Findingsdescribes the suitability criteria, suitability findings, management intent, and preliminary boundaries of the suitable sgements.

The Appendices provide more detailed information related to the plan, pertinent legislation, a selected bibliography, a list of the preparers and consultants for the document, and the record of environmental compliance completed to date.

All maps are placed within the text of the applicable chapters. The reader should rely on the text, maps, and tables taken together to fully understand the proposed findings described in this study.

Shed Dragonfly Skin on Spatterdock. NPS photo. HOW TO COMMENT ON THIS DOCUMENT

This Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Wild and Scenic River Study has been distributed to agencies, interested organizations, and individuals for their review and comment. The comment period for this document will extend for 90 days. Announcements will occur as noted below.

This document is available online at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/orca. We prefer that readers submit comments using this website, which provides an online public comment form.

Comments may also be made in person at one of the public meetings that will be conducted during the public review period. The specific dates and times for these meetings will be announced in the park website, in the study newsletter, and online at the above site.

Additional written correspondence may be addressed to:

Superintendent Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve 19000 Caves Hwy Cave Junction, OR 97523

Emails may be sent to [email protected]

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Falls at Upper Pond. NPS photo. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

STUDY SCOPE AND PURPOSE On December 19, 2014 through public law 113-291, Congress directed the National Park Service (NPS) to study five creeks in the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve (Park) for possible inclusion into the Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSR) system under Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA). The creeks listed in the legislation are Lower Cave Creek (downstream of River Styx), Lake Creek, No Name Creek, Panther Creek, and Upper Cave Creek (upstream of River Styx). The NPS also studied Waterfelt Creek through Section 5(d)(1) of the WSRA. Below is a summary of the draft findings.

DRAFT ELIGIBILITY FINDINGS The NPS found two of the creeks eligible for WSR designation based upon their free-flowing condition and presence of at least one outstandingly remarkable value (ORV). The eligible Lake Creek segment extends from its headwaters at Upper and Lower Bigelow Lakes to its confluence with Lower Cave Creek. The eligible Upper Cave Creek segment begins in the headwaters and extends to the boundary of the subterranean River Styx WSR. Both Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek were found to contain an ecological ORV. Lake Creek was also found to contain a geological ORV. NPS found the other creeks, Lower Cave Creek, Panther Creek and its tributary Waterfelt Creek, and No Name Creek, to be ineligible.

Draft Outstandingly Remarkable Values • Lake Creek’s ecological ORV is due to its majestic old growth riparian forests of Port Orford cedar and outstanding macroinvertebrate biodiversity. Lake Creek also contains a geologic ORV because of its rare combination of glacially carved lakes, karstic cave dissolved out of marble and granitic rock occurring together. • Upper Cave Creek’s ecological value is driven from its connectivity and formation of River Styx, an already designated WSR, and its hydrologic complexity. The stream’s main distinction is that it is one of the only known streams in the Klamath-Siskiyou region that is intermittent and at the same time disappears into a cave.

PRELIMINARY CLASSIFICATION The WSRA provides for three possible classifications of eligible river segments: wild, scenic, and recreational. The criteria distinguishing these classifications are primarily based on the degree of human modification of the river and its adjacent shorelines. Based upon the applicable criteria, the best preliminary classifications for the segments in the park are as follows:

Segment Classification Lake Creek recreational Upper Cave Creek scenic DRAFT SUITABILITY FINDINGS The suitability analysis was primarily based on the following factors:

• The characteristics that make the river segments worthy of designation. • The ability of the NPS to manage the river segments to protect their ORVs, water-quality, and free-flowing character. • The compatibility of WSR designation with other potential uses of the river segments. • The public’s opinion on designation.

WSR protection and management is compatible with the NPS management of the waterways, existing protections in place, and continued recreation use of the park. WSR designation would offer an additional layer of protection through Section 7 of the WSRA and provide opportunities to focus on river values and watershed protection. WSR designation would also offer recognition of the creeks as a special place bringing more attention to the river values of these headwater streams and their role in providing clean water downstream.

The majority of the individuals and organizations, who provided input on WSR designation through the public meetings and comment period, responded that they were supportive of designation. Those who were not supportive were primarily concerned about potential reduction to recreation access and hunting opportunities. The NPS found that WSR designation is compatible with the existing recreation uses of the park and designation is not expected to change public access opportunities currently enjoyed in park.

DRAFT CONCLUSION The NPS’s draft findings conclude both Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek are eligible and suitable for WSR designation.

Lupine Waterdrops. NPS photo. TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION...... 1 PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND...... 1 STUDY AREA...... 1 PREVIOUS STUDIES...... 1 NATIONAL WILD AND SCENIC RIVER SYSTEM ...... 2 PLANNING PROCESS...... 3 COMPLIANCE WITH NEPA ...... 3

CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS...... 5 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA...... 5 CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA...... 5 DRAFT ELIGIBILITY FINDINGS...... 6 DRAFT CLASSIFICATIONS FINDINGS...... 14

CHAPTER 3: DRAFT SUITABILITY FINDINGS...... 17 SUITABILITY CRITERIA...... 17 DRAFT FINDINGS...... 17 MANAGEMENT INTENT ...... 21 COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN...... 23 BOUNDARIES...... 23 COSTS...... 23 CONCLUSION...... 23

APPENDIX A: PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS...... 25

APPENDIX B: LEGISLATION...... 27

APPENDIX C: SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 29

APPENDIX D: CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FORM...... 35

APPENDIX E: RIVER STYX’S OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES...... 37 ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

BLM Bureau of Land Management

FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

IWSRCC Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council

NDAA National Defense Authorization Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NPS National Park Service

Park Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

ORV Outstandingly Remarkable Value

PEPC Planning, Environment and Public Comment

USFS United States Forest Service

WSR Wild and Scenic Rivers

WSRA Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Temporary falls on cave formations. NPS photo. INTRODUCTION 1 Lake Creek below the road crossing. Photo: NPS. CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND waters at Bigelow Lakes to the conflu- ence with Cave Creek. This study evaluates the eligibility and suitability of creeks in Oregon Caves National (C) No Name Creek, Oregon. The Monument and Preserve (OCNMP) for 0.6-mile segment of No Name Creek possible inclusion in the National Wild and from the headwaters to the confluence Scenic River (WSR) System. On December with Cave Creek. 19, 2014 President Obama signed into law (D) Panther Creek. The 0.8-mile seg- the National Defense Authorization Act ment of Panther Creek from the headwa- (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015, Public Law ters to the confluence with Lake Creek. 113-291 which directed the National Park (E) Upper Cave Creek. The segment of Service (NPS) to study five creek segments Upper Cave Creek from the headwaters in the OCNMP through Section 5(a) of the to the confluence with River Styx. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA). The NDAA designated the subterranean segment To distinguish between Cave Creek and Upper of Cave Creek, known as the River Styx, as Cave Creek, Cave Creek below the cave is a National WSR. The NDAA also expanded referred to in this report as Lower Cave Creek. the OCNMP by approximately 4,000 acres. Cave Creek above the cave is referred to as The NPS developed this WSR study report in Upper Cave Creek. collaboration with the preserve management plan for the new lands transferred into Section 5(d)(1) of the WSRA directs agencies NPS management as part of the boundary to study rivers for inclusion in the National expansion. Because Section 5(d)(1) of the WSR system as part of their land management WSRA directs federal agencies to identify planning processes. The NPS, under Section potential additions to the system when 5(d)(1) of the WSRA, expanded the study undertaking federal agency plans such as the area to include Waterfelt Creek, a tributary preserve management plan, the NPS also of Panther Creek: studied Waterfelt Creek for possible inclusion in the National WSR System. • Waterfelt Creek. The 0.8 mile segment from its headwaters to its confluence with Panther Creek. STUDY AREA

The study area and creeks evaluated are shown As can be seen in Figure 1, the in Figure 1. All of the creeks are within the creeks studied encompass the main OCNMP under NPS management. These waterways in the OCNMP. creeks are headwater streams in the upper part of the Illinois WSR watershed.

The NDAA directed NPS to study the PREVIOUS STUDIES following creek segments under Section 5(a) In Congressional testimony on the proposed of the WSRA: bill regarding the OCNMP expansion and WSR studies, the United States Forest Service (A) Cave Creek. The 2.6-mile segment of (USFS) stated that the Siskiyou National Forest Cave Creek from the headwaters at the screened all tributaries to the Illinois located River Styx to the boundary of the Rogue on the Siskiyou National Forest as part of River Siskiyou National Forest. a 1989 settlement agreement on the appeal (B) Lake Creek, Oregon. The 3.6-mile of the land and resource management plan. segment of Lake Creek from the head- None of the rivers screened that are currently

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 being studied werefound eligible. The NPS Each river designated into the national reviewed the 1991 WSR inventory documents system under the WSRA receives permanent for Lower Cave Creek provided by the USFS. protection from federally licensed or assisted The USFS report found Lower Cave Creek dams, diversions, channelization or other to be ineligible due to the modifications to water projects that would have a direct and its free-flowing character directly below its adverse effect on its free-flowing condition, outlet from River Styx. Copies of reports water quality, or Outstandingly Remarkable for other OCNMP candidate streams could Values (ORV), or, for projects outside the not be located. Upper Cave Creek is entirely designated segments, that would invade in Oregon Caves Monument and was not the segments or unreasonably diminish the previously studied by the NPS or the USFS. segment’s fish, wildlife, scenic, or recreational resources. The WSRA explicitly prohibits any new hydropower dam and related facilities NATIONAL WILD AND licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory SCENIC RIVER SYSTEM Commission (FERC) on or directly affecting a designated river segment. The determination The National WSR System was established of a proposed federally assisted water resource by Congress in 1968 to protect certain project’s potential impacts on the river’s outstanding rivers from the harmful effects “outstandingly remarkable” values, water of new federal projects such as dams and quality, and free-flowing condition is made hydroelectric facilities. As of 2017, 208 rivers by the federal river administering agency, in or river segments totaling over 12,700 miles this case the NPS. have been protected nationwide in 40 states and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. To be The WSRA originally designated eight river considered “Wild and Scenic” a river must segments and specified how others rivers were be free-flowing and have at least one river- to be added. Congress can authorize specific related outstanding natural, cultural, or river segment(s) to be studied under Section recreational resource value. The Congressional 5(a) of the WSRA and federal agencies are declaration of policy in the WSRA (16 U.S.C. directed to evaluate rivers in conjunction with 1271-1287) states: their land management planning processes under Section 5(d)(1) of the WSRA. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers The three main steps involved in a WSR study of the Nation which, with their immediate are eligibility, classification, and suitability. environments, possess outstandingly The eligibility analysis is a resource inventory remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, and evaluation to determine if the river is fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, or free-flowing; and possess one or more river- other similar values, shall be preserved dependent exceptional natural, cultural, or in free-flowing condition, and that they recreational ORV. River segments that are and their immediate environments shall found eligible are also classified as wild, be protected for the benefit and enjoyment scenic, or recreational primarily based on of present and future generations. The the level of human impact along the river. Congress declares that the established The last step in the WSR study process is a national policy of dam and other suitability analysis which assesses whether or construction at appropriate sections of not eligible segments should be included in the rivers of the United States needs to the WSR System. Suitability determination is be complemented by a policy that would based on an assessment of the characteristics preserve other selected rivers or sections that make the river segments worthy of thereof in their free-flowing condition designation; the ability of the NPS to manage to protect the water quality of such the river segments to protect their ORVs, rivers and to fulfill other vital national water-quality, and free-flowing character; the conservation purposes. compatibility of WSR designation with other

2 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY potential uses of the river segments; and public workshops to develop preliminary eligibility support and opinion. and suitability findings. These preliminary findings were shared with the public through Upon positive suitability findings, the a newsletter and public scoping meetings in Department of Interior recommends to spring of 2016. Comments received on the Congress that a river segment be designated or preliminary findings were carefully considered, formally included in the National WSR System. and this draft report reflects changes made to Designation of a river into the National WSR the preliminary findings. System requires an Act of Congress.

PLANNING PROCESS COMPLIANCE WITH NEPA In 2015, the NPS initiated the WSR study. The NPS formed an interdisciplinary team The National Parks Omnibus Management with resource specialists, planners, park Act of 1998 requires each study to be managers and the Superintendent from “completed in compliance with the National OCNMP, Inventory and Monitoring Program, Environmental Policy Act of 1969” (42 USC Park Planning, and the WSR Program. The 4321 et seq.)” (54 USC 100507). This study study team defined the scope and timeline. complies with the National Environmental As mentioned earlier to improve efficiency, Policy Act of 1969, as amended, which the WSR study is being conducted in mandates that all federal agencies analyze the collaboration with the preserve management impacts of major federal actions that have a plan team, given the overlap with the study significant effect on the environment. team, geographic area, and public involvement needs. In 2015 and 2016, the study team A categorical exclusion (CE) was selected compiled technical research and reports, as the most appropriate NEPA pathway conducted field visits, and held internal for this study.

The study team discuss the creeks and their river values during the scoping workshop. NPS photo.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 3 The study is excluded from requiring an If Congress designates one or both of the study environmental assessment or environmental rivers, a Comprehensive River Management impact statement because there is neglibile Plan and Environmental Document potential for impacts on the human would be developed. environment under normal circumstances. The applicable categorical exclusion is in the category of: “Adoption or approval of surveys, studies, reports, plans, and similar documents which will result in recommendations or proposed actions which would cause no or only minimal environmental impact” (NPS NEPA Handbook, 3.2 (R)). A copy of the draft CE form for the Oregon Caves WSR Study can be found in appendix D of this document.

Natural organics make colorful streamside bubbles. NPS photo.

4 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS 2 Waterfall on Lake Creek. Photo: NPS. CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA is not impeded and the existing flows are sufficient to support flow-dependent ORVs The subsections below describe the relevant and water quality. Streams do not need to be eligibility (free-flowing and ORVs) and perennial, or have flow all year-around, in classification criteria as set forth in the WSRA, order to be considered free-flowing. the NPS Director’s Order #46 –Wild and Scenic Rivers, the USDA/USDI Interagency Guidelines for Eligibility, Classification, and Outstandingly Remarkable Values Management of River Areas as published in To be eligible for inclusion in the National the Federal Register on September 7, 1982, WSR System, a river must possess at least and in the Technical Report of the Interagency one ORV. A determination of whether or not Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council a river area contains ORVs is based on the (IWSRCC) on the WSR study Process, professional judgment of the interdisciplinary IWSRCC, December 1999. study team utilizing the best available information and criteria set forth in the WSR The WSRA has two requirements for IWSRCC technical paper. ORVs can be fish, eligibility; the river segment must be free- wildlife, geological, recreational, scenic, flowing and possess one or more ORV. Once historic, cultural, or other similar resource eligibility has been established, a preliminary value. An ORV is a river-dependent value that classification is defined largely based on the is unique, rare, or exemplary at a regional or level of development. Each section below national scale. Typically, a “region” is defined describes in more detail the eligibility criteria. as an administrative unit, a portion of a state, or an appropriately scaled physiographic or Free-Flowing Condition hydrologic unit. The study team identified a region of comparison for each resource “Free-flowing” is defined in section 16(b) area. In order to be considered river of the WSRA as: dependent, a value must: “…existing or flowing in natural condition without impoundment, • Be located in the river or in its immediate diversion, straightening, riprapping, shorelands (generally within ¼ mile on or other modification of the waterway. either side of the river) and The existence, however, of low dams, • Contribute substantially to the diversion works, and other minor functioning of the river ecosystem or structures . . . shall not automatically bar • Owe its location or existence to the its consideration for inclusion: Provided, presence of the river that this shall not be construed to authorize, intend, or encourage future construction of such structures within CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA components of the National Wild and The WSRA requires that all eligible or Scenic Rivers System.” designated river segments be classified as wild, scenic, or recreational. These classifications A river or river segment can be considered are based on the amount of human impact for designation if it is above or below a dam (degree of human influence and access to or is dependent on releases from a dam. Any these rivers) and dependent on the water section of river with flowing water, even if quality present at the time of classification. The impounded upstream meets the definition WSRA defines these classifications as follows. of free-flowing, as long as the segment’s flow

CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS 5 drain fields, one small dam on Lake Creek, and a structured channel through a restaurant and • “Rivers classified as wild have pristine built ponds on a small section of Lower Cave water quality. They are those rivers Creek. The creeks were all found to meet the or sections of rivers that are free of free-flowing definition of the WSRA with the impoundments and generally inaccessible exception of small segment of Lower Cave except by trail, with watersheds or Creek from the outlet of cave to the culvert shorelines essentially primitive and waters below the restaurant. unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. The free-flowing character by segment is described below: • Rivers classified as scenic are those rivers or sections of rivers that are UPPER CAVE CREEK, HEADWATERS TO THE free of impoundments, with shorelines BOUNDARY OF RIVER STYX or watersheds largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but This headwater creek is free-flowing with accessible in places by roads. no impediments to the flow. The stream is • Rivers classified as recreational are intermittent, meaning during the summer/ those rivers or sections of rivers that are low flow season, the stream sometimes does readily accessible by road or railroad, not flow. As mentioned in the criteria section, that may have some development along intermittent streams can be considered free- their shorelines, and that may have flowing as long as they meet the other free- undergone some impoundment or flowing condition criteria. The study team diversion in the past.” found this segment meets the free-flowing definition in the WSRA. DRAFT ELIGIBILITY FINDINGS LOWER CAVE CREEK, FROM THE HEADWATERS AT THE RIVER STYX TO THE Free-Flowing Condition BOUNDARY OF THE ROGUE RIVER-SISKIYOU The creek segments being evaluated for WSR NATIONAL FOREST eligibility are headwater streams. They are generally free-flowing and natural. There are The beginning portion of the segment is highly some modifications to the creeks including modified. As the stream exits the cave, the culverts, road crossings, pedestrian bridges, flow is directed into two places. The largest

A portion of Lower Cave Creek downstream of the cave was diverted into a structured pond and then a stream that flows through a restaurant as shown above. NPS photos.

6 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY percentage of the stream’s flow is diverted LAKE CREEK, FROM THE HEADWATERS under the Chateau parking lot. A smaller AT BIGELOW LAKES TO THE CONFLUENCE percentage of the flow is directed into a series WITH CAVE CREEK of manmade features built from 1933 to 1934 for aesthetic purposes. These include two Lake Creek starts as two drainages in built ponds, a covered watercourse through a subalpine meadows. The water flows from Chateau restaurant, and two built waterfalls. Upper Bigelow Lake to Lower Bigelow Lake The Chateau is a National Historic Landmark to a side stream of Lake Creek that then and the Chateau and surrounding buildings connects with the main Lake Creek. The are part of a National Historic District. The headwaters of the main portion of Lake Creek water manipulation was all deliberately begin just below Upper Bigelow Lake. The designed to be aesthetically pleasing as part side stream and the main stream are both of the rustic architecture theme in which called Lake Creek. structures were integrated with surrounding features. Once the stream exits the National This headwater stream and its mapped Historic District and the Chateau building, the tributaries are free-flowing and non- creek’s flow is returned to the creek’s natural intermittent. There is one small dam that is bed. The remaining stream segment is free- located on a portion of the stream. It is a run of flowing through a natural riparian area. There the river operation. Approximately five percent are some modifications including two large of the streamflow is diverted as a public water culverts at forest road crossings that do not supply for OCNMP. There is also one medium impede the flow and a pedestrian bridge. A size culvert under the forest gravel road below small campground and trail are also sited near the dam, two intact small culverts above the the creek. dam under a former gravel road, as well as a bridge along the paved highway that is the Due to the high amount of modification, the main access to the monument part of the park. section from River Styx to the outlet of the Lake Creek was found to meet the free-flowing Chateau was found to ineligible because it definition of the WSRA. These structures and does not meet the free-flowing definition. the diversion, do not have a significant effect The remaining portion of the stream from the on the free-flowing character of the river. outlet at the Chateau to the confluence with the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest was found to be free-flowing.

[Left to right] 1. Lake Creek water intake. 2.The water intake creates a diversion on Lake Creek that spans only part way across the creek. NPS photos.

CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS 7 NO NAME CREEK, FROM THE HEADWATERS Values that rose to a 3 or 4 were considered TO THE CONFLUENCE WITH CAVE CREEK ORVs. Public comments and new information shared on the potential ORVs was analyzed This headwater stream is free-flowing and and any changes are reflected into the natural. No Name Creek was found to meet draft ORV findings. the free-flowing definition of the WSRA. The following describes the ORV findings Panther Creek from the headwaters to the by resource area. confluence with Lake Creek and Waterfelt Creek from its headwaters to its confluence ECOLOGIC with Panther Creek Criteria These headwater streams are free-flowing The evaluation of the ecologic ORV included and natural. There is one large culvert under a ecologic and hydrologic processes as well as gravel road crossing at Panther Creek that does wildlife, aquatic, and botany resources. The not impede the flow of the creek. Panther and study team evaluated whether each potential Waterfelt Creek were found to meet the free- ecologic value was river-dependent and flowing definition of the WSRA. unique, rare, or exemplary at a regional or national scale. The region of comparison used to evaluate aquatic resources was the first to Outstandingly Remarkable Values third order headwater streams in the Pacific This section describes the outstandingly Northwest. The region of comparison for the remarkable findings for the OCNMP other components of the ecologic value was study streams. the Klamath-Siskiyou region. Figure 2 shows the region of comparisons. As described above, an ORV must be river dependent and be unique, rare or exemplary at Overview a regional or national scale. Resource experts The pristine waters of the OCNMP are part of on the study team first developed technical the headwater tributaries of the Illinois River, reports compiling information for each broad one of the last major undammed rivers in the resource area that were used as a basis for Pacific Northwest. The complex, dynamic cave the ORV findings. Regional significance was and riparian ecosystems are dependent on determined within the context of delineated the continued existence and integrity of these geographic regions of comparison specific to waters. The Port Orford cedar, the ecologically each resource being evaluated. The study team dominant riparian species, provides dense reviewed the ORV example criteria for each shading that contributes to cold temperatures resource area defined in the IWSRCC WSR and outstanding water quality. As a study Process guidance document and refined consequence, the aquatic macroinvertebrate the criteria as needed to be more applicable to communities are healthy and have some of the OCNMP study. These criteria were then the highest biodiversity rates in the western rated as follows: portions of the Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. 0 - value non-existent, not significant 1 - less significant, than most in the re- Upper Cave Creek gion, not significant Upper Cave Creek from the headwaters to the start of the subterranean River Styx has 2 - typical in region, locally significant an ecological ORV due to its connectivity to 3 - one of only a few this significant, the River Styx and its hydrologic complexity. regionally significant Water flowing into the creek mixes with 4 - the most significant in region region- carbon dioxide in the forest floor and soils ally/nationally significant of the watershed. This feeds the River Styx with a weak acid solution that continues to enlarge the cave and thus provide more habitat

8 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY [Left to right] 1. Study team member, Eric Dinger, showing the macroinvertebrates in Lake Creek; the macroinvertebrate biodiversity in Lake Creek was one of the highest rates found in measured headwater streams in the northwest. 2. Dragonfly. NPS photos. for its rare, endemic species only found here. biodiversity. This segment of Lake Creek The flow of the River Styx, along with water contains an exemplary example of contiguous dripping through cracks in the marble, also groupings of old-growth Port Orford cedar. supplies the humidity cave species need to Port Orford cedar is almost entirely found survive the summer drought that otherwise in the wild within the Klamath-Siskiyou would dry out much of the cave through which bioregion. It is the dominant tree growing at the River Styx flows. most elevations in the riparian corridors. Port Orford cedar is a relict species, meaning that The Upper Cave Creek feeds and creates its geographic range has shrunk to an area less part of the River Styx which has been than a tenth of its original range in prehistoric designated under the WSRA. The stream’s times. The Port Orford cedar provides dense main distinction, though, is it is one of the shading to the stream contributing to its cold only known streams in the Klamath-Siskiyou temperatures and high water quality. Lake region that is intermittent and at the same Creek has a high density of waterfalls, plunge time disappears into a cave. A disappearing pools, and riffles that, along with excellent stream is rare in this region with few soluble water quality provides many habitats. The rock areas. The combination of a disappearing macroinvertebrate communities, particularly and intermittent stream is rare far beyond the the mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies are region. Why this unusual situation exists at thriving; an indicator of pristine stream OCNMP is in part because the creek lies at the systems. The macroinvertebrate biodiversity junction of two major climate regimes, that of was found to have one of the highest the Pacific Northwest and the Mediterranean biodiversity rates among measured streams climate of most of California. The wet winters west of the cascades in Washington, Oregon, dissolve calcite so that the lower part of the and northern California. Part of the high stream drains into Oregon Caves. The dry genetic diversity comes from the low local summers and the drainage into the cave cause extinction rates due to the stream’s, steep the stream to become intermittent. slopes, and dense shading that reduces extremes in temperature and moisture, the two Lake Creek major causes of local extinction. From its headwaters at Bigelow Lakes to its confluence with Lower Cave Creek, Lake Other Ecologic Values of the Streams Creek contains an ecological ORV due to its The streams also support other aquatic majestic forest of Port Orford cedar riparian species including Pacific giant salamanders, corridors and outstanding macroinvertebrate

CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS 9 tailed frogs, and mollusk. A variety of bird disappearing stream. Lake Creek was found to species including Wilson’s Warbler and have an ecologic value due to its majestic old Lincoln’s Sparrow pass through the study growth riparian forests of Port Orford cedar area particularly Waterfelt Creek and Bigelow and exemplary outstanding macroinvertebrate Lakes during fall migration like. These biodiversity. No Name Creek, Panther Creek, species are typical in the Klamath-Siskiyou Waterfelt Creek, and Lower Cave Creek have region. The Northern Waterthrush is rarely high ecological value but are fairly typical sighted but is not a river-dependent species. compared to other streams in the region. There are a variety of plant and vegetation Therefore, they were not found to rise to the that can be found at the vicinity of Bigelow level of an ORV. lakes, some of which are endemic and rare to the Klamath-Siskiyou or otherwise GEOLOGIC geographically restricted. The majority of these plants and vegetation are not river- Criteria dependent. Only Isoetes occidentalis are river/ The study team evaluated whether geologic small lake dependent and uncommon in the values were river-dependent and unique, rare, Klamath-Siskiyou Region. However, it is not or exemplary at a regional or national scale. a threatened or endangered species and its The region of comparison used to evaluate presence was not found to be unique, rare the significance of the geologic values was the or exemplary. Klamath-Siskiyou region.

Conclusion Overview Lake Creek and Cave Creek were both found Glacial features in the OCNMP include ice- to contain an ecologic ORV. The Upper Cave carved lakes (tarns), subalpine ponds, glacially Creek forms and creates River Styx, an already displaced boulders (erratics), windblown loess designated WSR. It also has a rare hydrologic deposits, hanging valleys, faceted boulders, complexity of being both an intermittent and and residual rock piles known moraines. These

Upper Bigelow Lake. NPS photo.

10 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY features can be seen in several dozen high- The other streams were not found to contain elevation areas below north-facing slopes of a geologic ORV. The OCNMP is a geologic the Klamath-Siskiyou region. OCNMP is a diverse place where you can see a variety of premier site for concentrated geodiversity in a rock types; while you can see this diversity region recognized for geodiversity nationally in the candidate streams; this diversity and globally. As such it is an outstanding place is prevalent across the OCNMP and not to view one for the world’s most complete specifically river-dependent. and complex array of geology within a short amount of time. High concentrations of RECREATION geologic diversity with both marble masses and glacial features are very rare in the Klamath- Criteria Siskiyou region with the exception of the The study team evaluated whether recreation Bigelow Lakes/Lake Creek area and one place values were river-dependent and unique, in the much less accessible Marble Mountains. rare, or exemplary at a regional or national Time of low streamflow allow access to high scale. The region of comparison used was the quality exposures of most of world’s three Klamath-Siskiyou region. major rock types plus their main subdivisions including granitic rock, meta-basalts, chert, Overview quartzite, marble, argillite, and garnet skarn. The OCNMP offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities including guided Conclusion cave tours, hiking, biking, running, horseback Lake Creek was found to contain a geologic riding, snowshoeing, skiing, photography, ORV due to the rare combination of marble wildlife watching, picnicking, camping, and masses and glacial features. Lake Creek has hunting. A small campground, located along at least one river dependent adjacent cave the banks of Lower Cave Creek, is popular dissolved out of marble. The upper portions and has a high number of return visitors. of Lake Creek contains glacial till lining that Several trails crossing or running alongside was deposited by the stream during floods. the candidate streams are primarily used for hiking. The high alpine Bigelow Lakes, Lower The spectacular exposures of rock types in Cave Creek, and the ‘Big Tree’, the largest the Lake Creek river corridor can be seen diameter Douglas fir tree in Oregon State, are more easily due to scouring and polishing by popular hiking destinations in the OCNMP. stream sediment and its later removal. The The OCNMP partners with nonprofit combination of a streamside marble cave, organizations on interpretation and education glacially carved lakes, and streamside granitic programs. One of the themes focuses on the boulders (glacial till) is rare in the region. dynamic stream systems in OCNMP.

There is only one other known area in the The main attraction in the OCNMP is the region where karstic, granitic and glacial guided cave tours which draws people from landforms occurs together (the Marble around the Northwest. Fine dining alongside Mountains of California) located about ninety a diverted Lower Cave Creek stream running miles south of OCNMP. Perhaps no other through a National Historic Landmark and area in the region besides the Bigelow Lakes/ National Historic District is an experience Lake Creek area has such a concentrated valued by many visitors. This section through diversity of rock types. All the features at the the restaurant is not free-flowing. Some Lake Creek area are also more easily visible visitors drawn to OCNMP for the cave tours and/or accessible by foot or road compared to stay long enough to experience the trails and the two similar types of geologic features in the candidate creeks. Visitors from local areas Marble Mountains. are attracted to OCNMP for the year-long trail use. Camping and hiking are highly valued visitor experiences, though they are typical in the region which offers abundant

CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS 11 recreational trail and camping experiences in foliage. Visitors get a sense of immersion and similar settings. solitude when walking through sections of dense Port Orford cedar. Some sections of Conclusion Lake Creek offer open views that feel more Recreation was not found to be an ORV for like the High Sierras. Lower Cave Creek flows any of the candidate streams. The candidate through the scenic National Historic District streams do offer highly valued hiking and and National Historic Landmark. This section camping experiences, but they are similar of Lower Cave Creek is highly modified as to other experiences found in the Klamath- described in the free-flowing section. The Siskiyou region. built waterfalls and ponds were all deliberately designed to be aesthetically pleasing, but AESTHETICS due to the modifications that section does not qualify for WSR eligibility. The Klamath- Criteria Siskiyou region is dense with headwater The study team evaluated whether aesthetic streams with intact riparian corridors, values were river-dependent and unique, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and boulders. rare, or exemplary at a regional or national These candidate streams while scenic are scale. The region of comparison used was the typical of the region. Klamath-Siskiyou region. Conclusion Overview The candidate streams were found to not The candidate streams are picturesque with contain an aesthetics ORV. The streams and opportunities to view the waterfalls, boulders, their surroundings are scenic, but these glacial cirques, dense vegetation, and hanging values are typical in the picturesque Klamath- lakes. The scenic Port Orford cedar has Siskiyou region. The study team did not find distinctive lacy, graceful, and low hanging any rare, unique, or exemplary scenic values.

Campsite at Cave Creek Campground. NPS photo.

12 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY CULTURAL the preserve management plan. It is possible that future surveys could lead to significant Criteria findings of river dependent cultural resources. The cultural ORV value evaluation includes This WSR study, per IWSRCC guidelines, was cultural and historical resources. The study conducted with the best available information. team evaluated whether cultural values were river-dependent and unique, rare, or European settlers first used the Rogue and exemplary at a regional or national scale. The Illinois valley for mining, and later logging region of comparison used was the Klamath- became the dominant economic driver. Many Siskiyou region. also lived as farmers and hunters. One hunter, Elijah Davidson stumbled upon Oregon Overview Caves in 1874. For thousands of years the Takelma and Applegate River Athapaskans people lived The Chateau and the National Historic in what is now called the Illinois and Rogue District built for visitors to Oregon Caves River valleys. Their villages were located along are significant historic features in OCNMP. the Rogue River. Salmon fishing was a big However, as discussed in the Free-Flowing part of their culture and diet. Takelma and Condition Section above, Lower Cave Creek Athapaskans people also hunted deer and through the National Historic District and rabbits and gathered camas plants and acorns National Landmark does not meet the free- among many other food sources. European flowing standard of the WSRA due to the settlers first encountered the Takelma in the major modifications to the creek. late 1820s. Like other Native American Tribes, the Takelma and Applegate River Athabascan Conclusion people were impacted by disease, warfare and The candidate streams were found to not eventually relocation. In 1856, the traditional contain a cultural ORV. There is little known residents of the Rogue and Illinois Valley about the pre-contact and post-contact use were relocated to the Siletz Reservation on of the stream corridors. The Chateau and the the central Oregon coast. The Takelma and National Historic District around Oregon Athapaskans were joined on the reservations Caves are significant historic features in by their neighbors, the Shasta, as well as tribes OCNMP but are not associated with the free- from even farther away, such as the Coos flowing sections of the candidate streams. and Tillamook. In 1906 less than ten Takelma people were reported to be alive and able to Determinations of ORVs pertain to each river speak their native language. segment as a whole. There may be sections of the segments that exhibit the value to There is little known about the pre-contact a lesser extent. history and use of the candidate streams. A biface or hand axe projectile or knife was found at Upper Bigelow Lake. Based on knapped chert and obsidian flakes, nearby ridges likely served as trading routes between coastal areas and the Cascades. Lower Cave Creek may contain an old milling site that is possibly Native American. Other archeological finds further downstream and excavations in the adjoining Applegate drainage suggest that the Takelma and/or Applegate Athabaskan used the riparian routes to access hunting grounds at the higher elevations in the summer. The creek corridors have not been surveyed for archeological resources, a survey is planned as part of the proposed action in

CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS 13 Table 2: Outstandingly Remarkable Values Summary facility will be improved. The facility is used to divert water for water supply to OCNMP. Ecological Geologic Upper Cave Creek is free of any water Lake Majestic old growth Rare combination of resource projects. Creek Port Orford Cedar and glacially carved lakes, outstanding macro- karstic cave dissolved SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT invertebrate biodiversity out of marble and granitic rock occurring together. The creek corridors are largely undeveloped with natural shorelines. There are a few road and trail crossings of Lake Creek as follows: Cave Forms and feeds Creek the designated River Styx and is a rare • Two culverts underneath a former gravel combination of an road above the dam intermittent and disappearing stream • Culvert underneath the gravel Forest Road 960 • Bridge at Highway 46 crossing DRAFT • Culvert underneath Forest Road CLASSIFICATIONS FINDINGS 76 (this road is recommended to be After determining the river’s eligibility for decommissioned in the proposed action) inclusion in the WSR System, the next step is classifying the river into the appropriate Lake Creek is free of roads and trails except category – wild, scenic, or recreational. at these crossing points. The administration Classification is largely based on the buildings are within a ¼ corridor of Lake extent of human development at the time Creek but are not located on the creek’s banks. of designation. Upper Cave Creek is free of road and trail Elements of Classification crossings with one trail, the Big Tree Trail, providing limited access and scenic viewing. The IWSRCC guidelines identified water resource development, shoreline development, ACCESSIBILITY accessibility, and water quality as the criteria used to determine classification. Classification As mentioned above, Lake Creek is accessible is an important distinction because it has a in some areas by road and trail crossings. direct effect on how each designated segment Upper Cave Creek is only accessible by trail. is administered and whether certain activities on federally owned land within the boundaries WATER QUALITY are permissible. Classification grandfathers-in existing development, unless these land use Lake Creek was one of three sites in OCNMP activities are degrading the river’s ORVs or where the Inventory and Monitoring team water quality. Future developments that are conducted monitoring of water quality and compatible with the classification and carried aquatic resources. All of the measured streams out in an environmentally sound manner were found to have high water quality with are also allowed. variations reflecting natural conditions. The shade of Port Orford cedar also helps keep WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTS the streams temperatures cool. Lake Creek’s water quality is very high with good dissolved There is one small dam that is located on the oxygen. Upper Cave Creek’s water quality upper portion of the Lake Creek. It is a run of has not been measured. Upper Cave Creek is river operation with little storage capabilities. a headwater stream in a natural setting with The intake and small dam will continue to limited human influences. Upper Cave Creek provide water supply for the park and the

14 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY is believed to also have high water quality like development and high water quality. the other streams. However since the 0.3 mile River Styx WSR segment is classified as scenic and the contiguous segments are both Preliminary Classification so short; the study team recommends Based on the criteria described above, the that Upper Cave Creek retain that same following classifications apply to Lake Creek classification as River Styx WSR. and Upper Cave Creek:

• Lake Creek: Headwaters to the Figure 3 shows the preliminary classifications confluence of Lower Cave Creek, for Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek. 3.6 miles, is preliminary classified as recreational due to the diversion that is located in the middle of the segment. The study team recommends keeping Lake Creek as one classification rather than breaking the creek into smaller sub segments given its short length. • The Upper Cave Creek: Headwaters to its confluence with the River Styx WSR, 0.2 miles, is preliminary classified as scenic. The segment technically qualifies as wild classification due to its lack of

Ouzel near Cave Creek. NPS photo.

CHAPTER 2: DRAFT ELIGIBILITY AND CLASSIFICATION FINDINGS 15 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Trout Lily. NPS photo.

16 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY Draft Suitability Findings 3 Bigelow Lakes. Photo: NPS. CHAPTER 3: DRAFT SUITABILITY FINDINGS

SUITABILITY CRITERIA The Federal Power Act prohibits the FERC from licensing hydropower projects in national The WSRA defines suitability as an assessment parks or national monuments including on of whether eligible river segments should be Upper Cave Creek. FERC may be able to recommended for inclusion into the National authorize new hydropower projects in other WSR System. It provides the basis for an units of the national park system, including agency’s recommendation to Congress. This Lake Creek within the OCNMP, unless there suitability analysis utilizes guidance from would be adverse effects to federal lands. the IWSRCC and is primarily based on the Under the WSR Act, FERC is prohibited from following four factors: authorizing construction of hydropower project works on or directly affecting a • The characteristics that make the river designated river. segments worthy of designation. • The ability of NPS and its non-Federal MINING AND LOGGING partners to manage the river segments to protect their ORVs, water-quality, Mining and logging are prohibited in OCNMP. and free-flowing. These prohibitions are in place to protect the scenic character and scientific interests of • The compatibility of WSR designation the area. These restrictions will continue to with other potential uses of the protect the proposed Upper Cave Creek and river segments. Lake Creek WSR corridors. • The public’s support for designation. Projects and Plans that are The report also outlines how the NPS Enhanced, Curtailed, or intends to manage the creeks. The scope Foreclosed Due to WSR Status of this analysis includes Lake Creek and Suitability studies must assess the potential Upper Cave Creek. effects of WSR designation on the goals of tribes, nongovernmental organizations, other local, state, and federal agencies, and the DRAFT FINDINGS public. This determines what other potential uses of the river may occur in the foreseeable Land Ownership, Uses, Zoning, future and if WSR designation would benefit and Restrictions or conflict with these uses. This helps planners, managers, and Congress decide LAND OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT which management action is best suited for the river and the public. This section discusses Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek corridors other relevant plans and projects and their are located entirely within the OCNMP, compatibility with WSR designation. managed by the NPS. The area is primarily used for recreation and natural resource WSR WATER RESOURCE PROJECT protection. The OCNMP is in Josephine EVALUATION (SECTION 7) County and the lands are zoned as forest commercial which is intended to conserve and The intent of the WSRA is to preserve rivers protect lands for forest use. from harmful effects of water resource projects. The WSRA prohibits any new OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS ON federally licensed hydropower dams on HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT designated river segments. It also creates a

CHAPTER 3: DRAFT SUITABILITY FINDINGS 17 process for evaluating/determining if other Roads and Bridges water resource projects have adverse impacts There are no current plans for new roads to the river and its special resources. This and bridges along Lake Creek or Upper Cave section describes that evaluation process, Creek corridors. Any new road or bridge types of projects subject to this evaluation, and projects that are located within the stream any known or likely projects in the foreseeable corridors would need to undergo a Section future that could be affected. 7 analysis to ensure adverse impacts do not occur. The preserve management plan is Projects that are subject to a Section 7 recommending decommissioning of FS 969 evaluation under the WSRA have to be: and Road 176. Road 176 crosses Lake Creek and Road 969 is within a quarter mile buffer • federally assisted projects (undertaken, of the stream. Decommissioning these roads permitted, or funded by a would likely be beneficial to the Lake Creek’s federal agency) and river values. The NPS will conduct Section 7 analysis on this project should the river • located within the high water become designated. mark of a river bed Bank Stabilization There are no known bank protection projects The baseline condition for all such analysis is proposed in the eligible wild and scenic the condition of the river and its resources at reaches. In designated WSR segments, the time of designation. Continued operations federally assisted water resources projects of existing water resource projects would not need to be evaluated to ensure there are no trigger a Section 7 evaluation/determination. adverse effects on the free-flowing character, Generally, best practices involve conducting a water quality, and ORVs of the river segment. river corridor reach analysis to understand the It is possible that bank stabilization projects channel geomorphology and location of the could be proposed in the future to protect ORVs before implementing site-specific water current infrastructure, recreation resources, or resources projects. cultural resources. These projects would need to be evaluated to ensure no adverse impacts The following is a sample of the types of water occur. Corridor reach analyses that evaluate resource projects that could potentially be the geomorphology of the river would help affected by designating the Lake Creek and inform location, size, and type of appropriate Upper Cave Creek as WSRs. bank stabilization for the river segments. Dam and Hydropower Projects Bioengineering and natural protection There are no plans for new dams or methods are encouraged in WSR reaches. hydropower projects in the study area. There Guidance on important resources to protect, is one existing diversion dam that spans part of process for determining bank stabilization, and the Lake Creek waterway. This diversion dam type of acceptable methods would be outlined and associated facilities delivers OCNMP’s in the comprehensive river management plan. water supply. The NPS plans to upgrade this Habitat Restoration diversion. Preliminary plans for this diversion There are no known proposals for water include relocating portions of the facility away resource habitat restoration projects within the from the stream, with an intake pipe remaining proposed WSR corridors. However, potential in the stream. While there would be temporary projects could include habitat enhancement impacts during construction, this project is structures, such as wood or boulders in the expected to be beneficial and less impactful to stream corridors. A Section 7 evaluation/ Lake Creek. The NPS will conduct a Section determination would need to occur for these 7 analysis on this project should the river projects and this evaluation would identify any become designated. adverse effects to the free-flowing character, water quality, and ORVs of the river segments. The need and goals for habitat restoration

18 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY can be identified in the comprehensive Port Orford cedar is found throughout the river management plan which would help OCNMP. Lake Creek contains some of the guide implementation of in-river habitat largest continuous sections of old growth Port enhancement structures. Orford cedar and it is part of the rationale for an ecologic ORV for Lake Creek. Port Orford OTHER NON-WATER RESOURCES PROJECTS cedar is also found to a lesser extent in the Upper Cave Creek corridor. Other projects and developments that are located outside the high water mark of the In 1952, a non-native pathogen Phytophthora river corridors do not need to undergo a lateralis, which causes Port Orford cedar Section 7 evaluation/determination. However, root disease, was identified killing cedar near effects of the project should be evaluated Coos Bay. Since then, this disease has spread to assure that the river values are protected. to other parts. Federal agencies including the These types of projects could include utility NPS are following management procedures lines, vegetation management, and trails. to both help prevent and manage the disease. WSR designation is consistent with current PORT ORFORD CEDAR management direction and measures defined in the preserve management plan Port Orford cedar is a conifer growing only to protect Port Orford cedar. The proposed in Southwestern Oregon and Northwestern WSR designation and comprehensive California. It is found along streams and river management plan would build on the plays a significant ecologic function in some preserve management plan and support forests Port Orford cedar is a relict species OCNMP charge to protect and manage meaning, based on fossils; its geographic range Port Orford cedar. has shrunk, in the cedar’s case to an area less than a tenth of its original range. It is a MACROINVERTEBRATES BIODIVERSITY near- endemic in that the great majority of its individuals and its center of distribution are in The macroinvertebrate biodiversity in Lake the Klamath-Siskiyou Mountains. Creek was very high, an indicator of an undisturbed, pristine stream system. The high biodiversity was measured as taxa

Port Orford Cedar. NPS photo.

CHAPTER 3: DRAFT SUITABILITY FINDINGS 19 richness for aquatic macroinvertebrates, the preserve management plan and WSR study. particularly mayflies (Ephemeroptera), Approximately 400 newsletters were mailed stoneflies (Plecoptera), and caddisflies or emailed to organizations and individuals (Trichoptera). The proposed WSR designation on the park mailing list. A comment form was would help OCNMP protect and enhance included in the newsletter so that members the macroinvertebrates by creation of a of the public could provide feedback to the comprehensive river management plan planning team. The public comment period and a concentrated focus on protecting the began April 15, 2016 and ran through June watershed and stream corridors. 10, 2016. Press releases asking for public comments and announcing the public PROTECTION OF WATER QUALITY meetings were distributed to local newspapers. The newsletter was also published and made In addition to free-flowing condition and available for electronic comment on the ORVs, water quality must be protected when Planning, Environment and Public Comment a river is found eligible. Lake Creek possess (PEPC) website. A link to the newsletter was excellent water quality. Upper Cave Creek’s provided on the OCNMP’s website. water quality has not been measured; however it is believed to have high water quality similar In May 2016, the planning team held two to the other measured streams. The proposed public open houses in Oregon, including WSR designation would help the OCNMP one in Cave Junction on May 3 and one in carry out its charge to protect water quality Grant Pass on May 5th. Displays and stations through creation of a comprehensive river were set up at the start of the meetings management plan. so that attendees could have one-on-one conversations with members of the planning ILLINOIS AND RIVER STYX WILD team. Planning team members recorded AND SCENIC RIVERS comments on flipcharts and comment forms were also made available. Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek are part of the headwater streams of the Illinois WSR. The OCNMP received written responses Upper Cave Creek forms and creates River in the form of letters, emails, newsletter Styx WSR. Designation and protection of forms, and web comments from individuals Upper Cave Creek and Lake Creek contributes and organizations including the Burke to the holistic protection and management of Museum, Oregon Hunters Association, River Styx and Illinois River. Oregon Wild, Back Country Horsemen of America, Klamath-Siskiyou Wild, American The Illinois River is one of the last major Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Friends of undammed rivers in the Pacific Northwest. the Kalmiopsis, American Whitewater, and The Illinois River was designated in 1984 and Western Environmental Law Center on the contains fish, recreational, scenic, botanic, and WSR study. Some commenters provided water quality as ORVs. information on potential ORVs or additional creeks for the planning team to consider. River Styx, the underground section of Cave The planning team reviewed and addressed Creek, was designated as a National WSR in the new information when developing the 2014. This river was found to contain geologic, draft eligibility findings. Through the meeting ecologic, aesthetics, and recreational ORVs. and in written format, the majority of the Upper Cave Creek forms and creates River public comments expressed support for WSR Styx. A detailed description of River Styx’s designation. The primary reasons why people ORVs is located in Appendix E. were supportive were that it would provide special recognition and protection to the Public Support ORVs of headwater streams and their role in providing clean water downstream. Those who In spring of 2016, the NPS released a summary were not supportive were primarily concerned newsletter and held two public meetings on about potential impacts to recreation access

20 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY and hunting opportunities. The NPS found Lake Creek and other areas in the Preserve. that WSR designation is compatible with the Management for Upper Cave Creek, which existing recreation uses of the OCNMP and is entirely within Oregon Caves National designation is not expected to change public Monument would be similar to today. access opportunities currently enjoyed in OCNMP. Current public access and recreation Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek’s free- activities are anticipated to continue as is. In flowing character, water quality, and ORVs response to these comments, the continuation would be protected and preserved. All of public recreation access is also expressed in management actions will be evaluated to the management intent section below. avoid adverse effects on the river segments and their resources. The entire list of preserve management plan actions can be found MANAGEMENT INTENT in the alternatives section of the preserve management plan. Below is a summary of key This section outlines how the NPS currently actions and goals that could affect the creek manages the eligible river segments, changes and their river values. that would occur upon implementation of the preserve management plan, and potential NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION changes that would occur if the creeks become AND MONITORING designated. It also identifies a proposed WSR boundary and additional costs associated • Prevent adverse ecological and with designation. evolutionary impacts to sensitive species The NPS is required by the WSRA to and ecosystems as a whole, using manage eligible and suitable river segments appropriate tools such as restoration in a manner that protects their free-flowing and mitigation. character, water quality, and ORVs until such • Protect old growth habitat through the the river segments become designated as part Fire Management Plan. of the National WSR System or are found • Maintain and monitor biodiversity unsuitable. In addition, all the creeks identified and water quality. in the Congressional authorized study (Upper Cave Creek, Lower Cave Creek, No Name • Monitor invasive species and Creek, Lake Creek, and Panther Creek) have minimize their spread. temporary protection under Section 7(b) of • Re-survey wetlands to compare to the WSRA. This protection prevents licensing past conditions. of FERC hydropower projects and requires • Complete a natural resource a review of all other federal water resource condition assessment. projects that could affect the river’s free- flowing character, ORVs, or water quality. This • Monitor and mitigate, where possible, protection expires three years after the study the pressures of climate change and report is submitted to Congress. other stressors on native vegetation and wildlife. Develop adaptation strategies to address climate change. Current Management and • Enhance restoration of riparian areas Direction in the Preserve and wetland habitats to the greatest Management Plan extent possible. Regardless of WSR designation, in accordance • Continue to manage the preserve with the WSRA and NPS management to prevent the spread of Port policies, the eligible river segments would be Orford cedar disease, including managed by the NPS to protect their free- through implementation of the flowing condition and ORVs. The preserve Port Orford Cedar Disease and management plan will outline the vision Management Protocol. and management actions for areas along

CHAPTER 3: DRAFT SUITABILITY FINDINGS 21 CULTURAL RESOURCE • Utilities and Infrastructure- The public PROTECTION AND MONITORING water system for the monument would be improved to enhance safety, increase • Conduct an archeological inventory on reliability, and decrease operational Preserve lands. costs. The expected improvements of the existing diversion are expected • Survey roads, trails, and campgrounds to have long-term benefits to Lake for potential National Register eligibility. Creek and its ORVs.

EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION RECREATIONAL USES The following education and interpretation Current recreation access and activities are ideas could include information on the creeks found compatible with WSR designation and and their river values: are expected to continue into the future.

• Conduct educational programming to • Hiking – All areas would continue support classrooms. to be open to hiking, except for the • Explore opportunities for partner- administrative area. provided education on the Preserve. • Camping- Backcountry camping would • Update electronic media to include be allowed under permit. While some increased web content as well as mobile primitive vehicle campsites may be device solutions that could be accessed developed, no vehicle dispersed camping in the field by visitors. would be allowed. • Update the web-based and print maps, • Access-All areas would remain open including the official brochure, to to hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. include the Preserve lands. Snowmobiling would continue to be • Improve directional signage prohibited for general public use, except throughout the Preserve. for search and rescue operations. • Biking-Biking would be permitted on paved and unpaved park and FACILITIES administrative roads, unless posted. Bicycles would not be permitted on • Trails - The existing system of trails single-track trails. would be maintained for designated • Pack Animals -Seasonal equestrian uses. A hardened trail and boardwalk use would be appropriate if under may be developed at Bigelow Lakes permit and on designated routes if it is found such action would likely and trails. However, no additional increase resource protection. No major facilities would be constructed to expansion or upgrades of the trail accommodate such uses. system would occur. • Hunting-Hunting would continue to • Roads- The Lake Creek Road be allowed under state regulations. The (4611960) would be maintained as a NPS would develop guidance to manage public road, as well as access for USFS hunting in areas surrounding the Cave permitted commercial activities, and Creek Campground, the Big Tree Trail, fire management access. One road and No Name Trail for visitor safety. within the proposed boundary of Lake • Pets- Leashed pets would be permitted Creek would be closed for public use in Cave Creek Campground on (Roads 4611969). campsites and paved surfaces, as well as

22 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY public and administrative roads, unless The WSRA directs the river otherwise posted. management plan to:

• describe the existing resource PARTNERSHIPS conditions including a detailed description of the ORVs. • Formalize and expand partnership using • define the goals and desired conditions Service First with Rogue River- Siskiyou for protecting river values. National Forest • address development of lands • Pursue partnership opportunities with and facilities. nonprofits, local governments and tribes as opportunities arise. • address user capacities. • address water quality issues and instream flow requirements. Any entities pursuing future federally-assisted • reflect a collaborative approach, projects that have the potential to affect recognizing the responsibilities of, and the eligible river segments should consult opportunities for, partnership with with NPS in an attempt to avoid or mitigate all stakeholders. adverse effects. During the temporary protection period and if the river segments are • identify regulatory authorities of other designated then a water resource evaluation/ governmental agencies that assist in determination would be required per the protecting river values. WSRA as described in the Water Resources • include a monitoring strategy to maintain Evaluation Section above. desired conditions.

COMPREHENSIVE In addition to protections and guidance MANAGEMENT PLAN offered in the WSRA, the WSRA also directs the NPS to use its general statutory authorities If the river segments are designated as WSRs, where appropriate to protect the ORVs, water then a comprehensive river management plan quality, and free-flowing character of the river (CRMP) would be developed. The CRMP segments. When conflicts arise, the more would further outline goals and management protective law would be applied. actions that would be acceptable and encouraged. This plan would build on and tier off of the preserve management plan and other existing park plans. The CRMP would BOUNDARIES outline the Section 7 process including the If the river segments are designated, detailed need for any future water resource projects boundaries would be determined. Unless that are federally-assisted to undergo an Congress directs otherwise, these boundaries evaluation/determination to ensure adverse would be limited to an average of 320 acres effects do not occur. The CRMP would offer per river mile, which equates to about one- an opportunity for public engagement as quarter of a mile on either side of the river. It is well as an opportunity to review the plan and recommended that the preliminary boundaries environmental document. of the Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek be one-quarter of mile from the high water mark on either side of the river segments in order to protect the geologic and ecologic values which depend on the surrounding land and water around the streams (see Figure 4). The NPS recognizes its responsibility to use its existing authorities to protect the ORVs that are found

CHAPTER 3: DRAFT SUITABILITY FINDINGS 23 both within and outside the preliminary opportunities for holistic management in WSR boundaries. similar headwater areas. A WSR designation also provides an opportunity to recognize the ORVs of these two streams and a focus on COSTS watershed protection of these pristine waters. The majority of the public input received The NPS is already managing Lake Creek was supportive of WSR designation. Some and Upper Cave Creek. Additional costs comments received expressed concerns related to managing the streams, if designated about potential restrictions to recreation wild and scenic, would include the cost access. However, existing public recreational associated with developing and implementing activities at OCNMP were found compatible a comprehensive river management with WSR designation and restrictions are plan. Minimal additional compliance not anticipated. work is also anticipated to comply with Section 7 of the WSRA. WSR designation would elevate the Port Orford cedar, macroinvertebrate biodiversity, ecologic, geologic, and water quality values, CONCLUSION thus furthering the purpose of the OCNMP. Lake Creek and Upper Cave Creek were WSR protection is consistent with the way found to be suitable for WSR designation. OCNMP manages its lands. WSR designation The addition of the two segments would would offer some additional protections under provide opportunities to protect and highlight Section 7 of the WSRA and provide another the two headwater streams and the benefits layer of protection. Designation would require they provide to clean water downstream. the development of a comprehensive river These streams are the headwaters of the management plan which would enable better Illinois WSR. Designation could create more stewardship of the river segments and their special resources.

Water inside Oregon Caves. NPS photo.

24 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY APPENDICES Red color of newt warns predators of death if eaten. Photo: NPS. APPENDIX A: PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS

OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT Mark Donahue, Chief of Maintenance

David Hahn, Chief Ranger

George Herring, Chief of Interpretation

Janet Lynch, Administrative Officer

John Roth, Resource Management Specialist

Vicki Snitzler, Superintendent

Jason Walz, Physical Science Technician

NPS PACIFIC WEST REGION Martha Crusius, Program Chief, Park Planning and Environmental Compliance

Eric Dinger, Aquatic Ecologist, Klamath Network

Brenden McLane, Cartographic Technician

Brad Phillips, Project Manager

Susan Rosebrough, Planner

Amanda Schramm, Project Manager

Katelyn Walker, Project Manager

George Turnbull, Management Analyst

NPS WASHINGTON OFFICE Cherri Espersen, Program Analyst

Patrick Gregerson, Chief, Park Planning and Special Studies

Cassie Thomas, Program Analyst

Joan Harn, Rivers Program Manager, Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs

APPENDIX A: PREPARERS AND CONSULTANTS 25 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Bigelow Lakes Hiker. NPS photo.

26 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY APPENDIX B: LEGISLATION

(e) WILD AND SCENIC RIVER DESIGNATIONS.—

(1) DESIGNATION.—Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(208) RIVER STYX, OREGON.—The subterranean segment of Cave Creek, known as the River Styx, to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior as a scenic river.’’.

(2) POTENTIAL ADDITIONS.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—Section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(141) OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE, OREGON.—

‘‘(A) CAVE CREEK, OREGON.—The 2.6-mile segment of Cave Creek from the headwaters at the River Styx to the boundary of the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest.

‘‘(B) LAKE CREEK, OREGON.—The 3.6-mile segment of Lake Creek from the headwaters at Bigelow Lakes to the confluence with Cave Creek.

‘‘(C) NO NAME CREEK, OREGON.—The 0.6-mile segment of No Name Creek from the headwaters to the confluence with Cave Creek.

‘‘(D) PANTHER CREEK.—The 0.8-mile segment of Panther Creek from the headwaters to the confluence with Lake Creek.

‘‘(E) UPPER CAVE CREEK.—The segment of Upper Cave Creek from the headwaters to the confluence with River Styx.’’.

(B) STUDY; REPORT.—Section 5(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘‘(20) OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE, OREGON.—Not later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall—

‘‘(A) complete the study of the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve segments described in subsection (a)(141); and

‘‘(B) submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study.’’

APPENDIX B: LEGISLATION 27 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Mendocino gentian, a regionally endemic species. NPS photo.

28 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY APPENDIX C: SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Atzet, Thomas. 1978. Description and classification of the forests of the upper Illinois River drainage of Southwestern Oregon. Diss. Univ. of Oregon.

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Ault, Toby R., and Scott St. George. 2010. The prominence of decadal and multidecadal variability in North American precipitation. Journal of Climate 23: 842-50.

Axelrod, D. I. 1962. A Pliocene Sequoiadendron forest from western central Nevada. Univ. Calif. Pub. Geol. Sci. 39: 195-66.

Barnes, Calvin G., K. Johnson, M. A. Barnes, et al. 1995. The Grayback batholith: Magmatism in a back-arc environment , Klamath Mountains, Oreg. Jour. of Petrology 36: 397-415.

Barnes, Calvin G., Rachel B. Weiss, Nolwenn Coint et al. 2014. Development of Jurassic arc complexes in the Klamath Mountain Province, CA and OR (Abstract). 2014 GSA Annual Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia (19–22 October 2014).

Benda, Lee, and Paul Bigelow. 2014. On the patterns and processes of wood in northern California streams. Geomorphology 209: 79-97.

Betlejewski F and Others (ed). 2001. A range-wide assessment of Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana) on federal lands. BLM/OR/WA/PL-004/004-1792.

Brenner, Gregory J. 2000. Riparian and adjacent upslope beetle communities along a third order stream in the western Cascade Mountain Range, Oregon. PhD Diss. Oregon State University.

Brown, Larry, and Jason T. May. 2007. Aquatic vertebrate assemblages of the upper Clear Creek watershed, California. Western North American Naturalist 67: 439–51.

Bureau of Land Management. 2007. Sucker Creek Watershed Analysis.

Burke, Thomas E. 2013. Land Snails and Slugs of the Pacific Northwest. Corvallis: Oregon State Univ. Press.

Crawford, Rod. 2015a. Harvestmen. In The Klamath-Siskiyous: Timely Treasures of an Iconic Bioregion, Washington, DC: GPO.

Crawford, Rod. 2015b. Spiders. In The Klamath-Siskiyous: Timely Treasures of an Iconic Bioregion, Washington, DC: GPO.

APPENDIX C: SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 29 Damschen, Ellen I., Susan Harrison, and James B. Grace. 2010. Climate change effects on endemic- rich edaphic flora: resurveying Robert H. Whittaker’s Siskiyou sites (Oregon, USA). Ecology 91(12): 3609-19.

Deur, Douglas. 2007. Oregon Caves National Monument. Traditionally Associated Populations and Ethnohistory Study: A Study performed under Contract Q9340D0030.

Diedrich, Jackie and Thomas, Cassie. 1999. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Study Process. Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council.

Diedrich, Jackie. 2004. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: Section 7. Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council.

Diedrich, Jackie. 2002. Wild and Scenic River Management Responsibilities. Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council.

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Dinger, Eric. 2015a. Integrated Aquatic Community and Water Quality Monitoring of Wadeable Streams in the Klamath Network – Annual Report 2012 results from Oregon Caves National Monument, Redwood National and State Parks, and Crater Lake National Park.

Dinger, Eric. 2016. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Wild and Scenic River Internal Study to Support Investigation into Preliminary Determination of Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity as an Outstandingly Remarkable Value.

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Duewell, Jeff. 2015. Wild and scenic expansion for the Rogue? BLM study finds 63-mile stretch of the river is suitable for inclusion. Daily Courier. Sept. 6.

Ersek, Vasile et al. 2009. Environmental influences on speleothem growth in southwestern Oregon during the last 380 000 years. Earth and Planetary Science Letters 279: 316-325.

Ersek, Vasile, Peter U. Clark, Alan C. Mix et al. 2012. Holocene winter climate variability in mid-latitude western North America. Nature Communication 3 Article number: 1219. doi:10.1038/ncomms2222.

Fralish, James S., and Scott B. Franklin. 2002. Taxonomy and ecology of woody plants in North American forests: (excluding Mexico and subtropical Florida). New York: Wiley.

Friday, John. 1983. Debris Flow Hazard for the Oregon Caves National Monument (Portland: USDI- Geological Survey, Water Resources Investigative Report 83-4100.

Grace J. B., S. Harrison, and E. I. Damschen. 2011. Local richness along gradients in the Siskiyou herb flora: R.H. Whittaker revisited. Ecology 92(1): 108-210.

Irwin, W. P., 1994. USGS Geologic Map of Klamath Mountains, California and Oregon.

Irwin, William P. 2003. A Bibliography of Klamath Mountains Geology, California and Oregon, Listing Authors from Aalto to Zucca for the Years 1849 to Mid-2003. USGS Open-File Report 03-306.

30 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY Kotyk, M.E.A. J. F. Basinger, and E. E. McIlver. 2003. Early Tertiary Chamaecyparis Spach from Axel Heiberg Island, Canadian High Arctic. Canadian Journal of Botany 81 (2): 113–130.

Liu, Yu-Sheng, Barbara Mohr, and James Basinger. 2009. Historical biogeography of the genus Chamaecyparis (C upressaceaea, Coniferales) based on its fossil record. Palaeobiology, Palaeoenvironments 89: 203-09.

Liu, Zhongfang, Kei Yoshimura, Gabriel J. Bowen et al. 2013. Paired oxygen isotope records reveal modern North American atmospheric dynamics during the Holocene. Nature Communications 5 Article number 3701. doi:10.1038/ncomms4701.

MacGinitie, H. D. 1962. The Kilgore flora: a late Miocene flora from northern Nebraska. Univ. Calif. Pub. Geol. Sci. 35: 67-158.

Mark, Steve, 2011. Domain of the Caveman: A Historic Resource Study of Oregon Caves National Monument. 2nd Ed. National Park Service, Pacific West Region.

Mead, J. et al. 2000. Preliminary report on the Holocene vertebrates from G3D locality. Typescript.

Metcalf, R.V., and W. Barrow, 2002. Paleozoic-Mesozoic subduction related crustal growth in the Klamath Mountains: A view from the eastern Klamath terrane. GSA Abstracts with Programs 34(5): A-43.

Meyers, Judy L., David L. Strayer, J. Bruce Wallace et al. 2007. The contribution of headwater streams to biodiversity in river networks. Jour. of the American Water Resources Association 43(1): 86-103.

Naiman, Robert J., Henri Decamps, and Michael E. McClain. 2013. Riparian landscapes. In Encyclopedia of Biodiversity. 2nd Edition Ed. Simon Levin. New York: Academic Press, Vol. 6, pp. 461-8.

Native Plant Society of Oregon. 2012 Annual Field Trip Meeting. http://siskiyou.npsoregon. org/2012annualmeeting/ftbigelowlakes.php (accessed November 2016).

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National Park Service, Vegetation Map, Oregon Caves National Monument, 2014.

APPENDIX C: SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 31 National Park Service. Assessment of Natural Resource and Watershed Condition: Redwood National and State Parks: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Oregon Caves National Monument. Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/WRD/NRR—2011/335.

Nawa, Richard. 2015. Fish. In The Klamath-Siskiyou: Timely Treasures of an Iconic Bioregion, Washington, DC: GPO.

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Siskiyou Research Group. 1994. Detection of fisher and American marten, Oregon Caves National Monument.

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32 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY Tornwall, Brett, Eric Sokol, James Skelton and Bryan L. Brown. 2015. Trends in stream biodiversity research since the River Continuum Concept. Diversity 7: 16-35.

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United States Forest Service. 2011. Sucker Creek Aquatic Restoration Plan: Sucker Creek Watershed. Siskiyou National Forest, Illinois Valley Ranger District.

United States Forest Service. 2014. Sucker Creek Legacy Roads and Trails Environmental Assessment. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Wild Rivers District.

United States Forest Service. 1997. Draft Grayback/Sucker Creek Watershed Analysis. Rogue River- Siskiyou National Forest, Wild Rivers Ranger District.

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United States Forest Service. “Managing for Healthy Port-Orford-Cedar in the Pacific Southwest Region.” Prepared by the USFS Pacific Southwest Region.

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Vasile Ersek, Vasile et al. 2009. Environmental influences on speleothem growth in southwestern Oregon during the last 380 000 years . Earth and Planetary Science Letters 279: 316-325.

Walthall GE. 1960. Aquatic insect survey August 1960. Oregon Caves National Monument.

Wang, W. P., C. Y. Hwang, T. P. Lin et al. 2003. Historical biogeography and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Chamaecyparis (Cupressaceae) inferred from chloroplast DNA polymorphism. Plant Syst. Evol. 241:13–28.

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Wright, James E., and Sandra J. Wyld. 1994. The Rattlesnake Creek terrane, Klamath Mountains, California: An early Mesozoic volcanic arc and its basement of tectonically disrupted oceanic crust: Geological Society of America Bulletin 106: 1033–1056.

Young RA. 1961. Hydrogeologic evaluation of the streamflow records in the Rogue River Basin, Oregon. USGS. Portland, OR.

Zobel, Donald B., Lewis F. Roth, and Glenn M. Hawk. 1985. Ecology, pathology and management of Port-Orford-cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana).

APPENDIX C: SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY 33 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Soda straw columns in Oregon Caves. NPS photo.

34 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY APPENDIX D: DRAFT CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FORM

National Park Service Pacific West Region U.S. Department of Interior 3/20/2018

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FORM

DRAFT Project: Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Wild and Scenic River Study

PEPC Project Number: 63675

Description of Action (Project Description):

Wild and Scenic River Study to evaluate five creeks for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System.

Project Location:

County: Josephine State: OR

Mitigation(s):

No mitigations identified.

CE Citation: CEs for Which No Formal Documentation is Necessary

3.2 code =R, Adoption or approval of surveys, studies, reports, plans and similar documents which will result in recommendations or porposed actions which would cause no or only minimal environmental impact.

Explanation: DRAFT

CE3.2R is the appropriate NEPA pathway for the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Wild and Scenic River Study because the study would result in negligible environmental impact. The study is intended to provide Congress with information about the eligibility and suitability for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System of five creeks in Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. Although the study has implications for potential future NPS actions, it will result in negligible environmental impacts and Congress action is needed to designate the rivers.

Decision: I find that the action fits within the categorical exclusion above. Therefore, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No extraordinary circumstances apply.

Superintendent, ORCA: ______Date:______

APPENDIX D: CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FORM 35 Extraordinary Circumstances:

If implemented, would the proposal Yes/No Notes A. Have significant impacts on public health or safety? No B. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics No as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands; wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (Executive Order 11990); floodplains (Executive Order 11988); national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical areas? C. Have highly controversial environmental effects of involved unresolved conflicts No concerning alternative uses of available resources (NEPA section 102(2)(E))? D. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects of involve unique No or unknown environmental risks? E. Establish a percent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future No actions with potentially significant environmental effects? F. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively No significant, environmental effects? G. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register No of Historic Places, as determined by either the bureau or office? H. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of No Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species? I. Violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of No the environment? J. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority No populations (EO 12898)? K. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by No Indian religious practitioners or adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (EO 130007)? L. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeks or No non-native invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112))?

36 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY APPENDIX E: RIVER STYX’S OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES

GEOLOGIC ECOLOGIC River Styx flows through a marble cave, a Ecologic is an outstandingly remarkable rare type of cave in the Pacific Northwest and value for the River Styx due to the rich one made even rarer by having a present- variety of habitat types and unusually high day stream in it. The cave contains a diverse genetic diversity due to one of the highest geologic record, featuring a concentrated concentrations of animal endemics than has variety of types of rock and dramatic visual been reported from any other cave in the evidence of change spanning millions of years Pacific Northwest. This complex, dynamic as the cave cut through hundreds of feet of cave ecosystem is dependent on the pristine rock. Visitors have opportunities to see and waters of the River Styx and the surrounding understand the local and regional geology watershed for its continued existence and from the inside out and in four dimensions, integrity. The animal endemics depend on including glacially ground silt, volcanic ash, a microbial food base to survive which is limestone deposits, and erosional features dependent on the water dripping down from left by the river as it has cut downward. the stream and the dissolved organic matter Through small group tours led by interpretive that it brings. rangers of the NPS, visitors to River Styx have opportunities to explore the complex geologic beauty of the caves and to observe AESTHETICS how the erosional and mineral precipitation Visitors to River Styx are immersed in the properties of water shape the earth, both beautiful novelty of the cave. The tour through above and below ground. it offers the opportunity to observe beautiful The cave also contains a nationally significant and diverse cave formations and rare geologic collection of fossils that were preserved in the features rarely so concentrated in the Pacific undisturbed confines of the cave environment Northwest. The unusual shapes of the cave for thousands of years. At least one large skull deposits and erosions themselves excite the embedded in cave deposits has depended on imagination. Especially with the lights turned the River Styx for its continued preservation off and the quiet that ensues, the splashing for tens of thousands of years. burble of the River Styx reverberates through the cave, leaving an impression of wonder, Dripping water drawn from the stream as it mystery, even awe. Visitors experience River descends continues to create cave formations. Styx from many different perspectives, These mineral laden drips produce river whether seen from a walkway directly above, dependent stalagmites that have been used to dimly glimpsed or only heard through small establish Oregon Caves as a premier center rocky windows, or felt as cold water dripping for the study of past climates of the last third towards the stream. Such aesthetics are often a of a million years. This unique research done major part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience here has established that a long-term ocean for visitors from the Pacific Northwest. fluctuation in the Pacific Ocean known as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation is real, that it has a fairly constant time cycle, and appears to be RECREATIONAL jump started by solar cycles, that ~thousand The cave attracts visitors from throughout year climate cycles occur, and, along with the Pacific Northwest and around the world data from other sites, that there is a north- but especially from western Oregon and south curve of the jet stream that changes northwestern California. The tight twisting storm frequencies.

APPENDIX E: RIVER STYX'S OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES 37 and turning cave routes provide visitors with a sense of discovery, immersion, adventure, and amazement. It’s a memorable experience leaving visitors, often those entering an attractive cave for the first time, with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed interest in nature. The immersive nature of the experience engages most senses, allowing visitors to feel water dripping in the cave, hear the echoing sounds of River Styx, and see the scenic splendor of the river and cave formations. The small group tours, led by NPS interpretive rangers, offer exemplary interpretive experiences and ample opportunities for personal challenge and memorable achievement, as well as learning about the complex rocks and hydrology of the cave environment and the mountain watershed.

River Styx. NPS photo.

38 OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE - WILD AND SCENIC RIVER STUDY